Noise suppressor for air compressor

ABSTRACT

A method of neutralizing noise for an air compressor includes routing sound waves exiting an air intake of an air compressor along two separate paths, with a length of a first path being about one-half the wavelength of the sound waves and the length of the second path being negligible relative to the wavelength of the sound waves. In a first state, sound waves in a first path close a first valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the first path while the a second valve in the second path remains open to permit inflow of ambient air through the second valve. In a second state, sound waves in the second path close the second valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the second path while the first valve in the first path remains open to permit inflow of ambient air through the first valve. The method includes alternating between the first state and the second state in response to the repeating sound waves generated by the air compressor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of the filing date ofProvisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/678,340 entitled “NOISESUPPRESSOR FOR AIR COMPRESSOR,” having Attorney Docket NumberW414.101.102 and having a filing date of May 6, 2005, which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Conventional air compressors provide numerous benefits to society. Forexample, conventional air compressors provide compressed air to power“air” tools, to inflate tires, to clean objects, etc. However, theprocess of compressing the air can be quite loud, which is annoying andwhich can pose health risks, such as hearing loss. In addition, thenoise of a conventional air compressor can limit the ability of a personto hear significant events, such as a call for help, an accident, etc.in proximity to the conventional air compressor. This noise also canhinder communication between workers performing a task nearby theconventional air compressor. Accordingly, most people simply endure thenoise of the conventional air compressor or alter their work or usepatterns to mitigate the effect of the noise on their activities or thepeace of their neighbors.

Moreover, some individuals place a high value on minimizing noisepollution in natural environments. Accordingly, a conventional aircompressor is unsuitable for use in some natural environments, making itdifficult to operate a conventional air compressor without disruptingthe natural ambience of the outdoors.

In addition, given the enormous number of conventional air compressorsowned by individuals, craftsman, and businesses, replacing eachconventional air compressor with a quieter air compressor would be costprohibitive, assuming that any such quiet air compressor was evenavailable.

Despite the high incentive to decrease noise emanating from aircompressors, prior solutions have yet to effectively handle noise fromconventional air compressors.

SUMMARY

A method of neutralizing noise for an air compressor includes routingsound waves exiting an air intake of an air compressor along twoseparate paths, with a length of a first path being about one-half thewavelength of the sound waves and the length of the second path beingnegligible relative to the wavelength of the sound waves. A first valveis arranged at the end of the first path and a second valve at the endof the second path. In a first state, sound waves in the first pathclose the first valve to prevent the sound waves from exiting the firstpath while the sound waves in the second path minimally impact thesecond valve of the second path, thereby enabling the second valve toremain open to permit inflow of ambient air through the second valve. Ina second state, sound waves in the second path close the second valve toprevent the sound waves from exiting the second path while the soundwaves in the first path minimally impact the first valve of the firstpath, thereby enabling the first valve to remain open to permit inflowof ambient air through the first valve. The method includes alternatingbetween the first state and the second state in response to therepeating sound waves generated by the air compressor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a noise suppressionsystem, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of operational states of a noise suppressionsystem, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a noise suppression system, according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a noise suppression system, according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a noise suppression system, according toan embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, references made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which isillustrated by way of illustrations specific embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology,such as “front,” “back,” etc., is used with reference to the orientationof the figures(s) being described. Because components of embodiments ofthe present invention can be positioned in a number of differentorientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes ofillustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes maybe made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thefollowing detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by theappended claims.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a noise suppressor for anair compressor that can be retrofit onto a conventional air compressoror incorporated into a newly built air compressor. In one embodiment, anoise suppressor for an air compressor blocks sound waves, which exit anair inlet of the compressor, from entering into the ambient environmentwhile simultaneously permitting entry of air from the ambientenvironment into the air inlet of the air compressor.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an air compression system 10, according to anembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, system 10 comprises anair compressor 12 and a noise suppressor 14. Air compressor 12 comprisesa cylinder, air inlet 13, and outlet valve structure 27. Noisesuppressor 14 comprises first valve 16, second valve 18, and an airpathway structure 21 including common pathway 22, first pathway 23, andsecond pathway 24. One embodiment of first valve 16 and second valve 18is further described and illustrated in association with FIG. 3. Asshown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, air compressor 12 additionallyincludes control structure 20 (e.g. nozzle, valve, etc.) for controllingreception of ambient air through inlet 13.

Air compressor 12 comprises a conventional air compressor whichcompresses air in its cylinder for storage in an associated tank. In oneembodiment, air compressor 12 controls exhaust and/or application ofcompressed air via valve structure 27.

Noise suppressor 14 is configured to both manage inlet of ambient airinto air compressor 12 and to suppress noise produced by air compressor12 that travels outward through compressor air inlet 13. Valves 16 and18 are in fluid communication with air inlet 13 via air pathwaystructure 21. In particular, common pathway 22 is in direct connectionand fluid communication with air inlet 13. Ambient air A_(A) travels ina first direction through air pathway structure 21 to enter air inlet13, while sound waves exiting air inlet 13 travel in a second direction,opposite the first direction of incoming air. In one aspect, air inlet13 comprises a single air intake.

A junction 25 enables common pathway 22 to diverge along two oppositepathways, first pathway 23 and second pathway 24 for routing the soundwaves exiting an air intake of an air compressor along two separatepaths including a first pathway 23 and a second pathway 24.

First pathway 23 is in fluid communication with first valve 16 whilesecond pathway 24 is in fluid communication with second valve 18. Firstpathway 23 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L1 whilesecond pathway 24 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L2which is substantially greater than a length L1 of first pathway 23. Inone embodiment, the length L2 of second pathway 24 is selected to beone-half the wavelength of the sound wave S while the length L1 of firstpathway 23 is negligible relative to the wavelength of the sound wave(S), and therefore also negligible relative to length L2.

Noise produced by air compressor 12 is suppressed via operation of firstvalve 16 and second valve 18, which alternately open and close inresponse to a sound wave (S) traveling out of air inlet 13 of aircompressor 12 with the sound wave (S) being split between first pathway23 and second pathway 24.

In one embodiment, first valve 16 and second valve 18 each comprise acheck valve. In one aspect, the check valve includes a flapper valve, areed valve, a ball valve, or a poppet valve, as known to those skilledin the art.

As first portion (S1) of sound wave (S) travels into valve 16, soundwave S1 closes valve 16 which also prevents entry of ambient air (A_(A))through valve 16. However, because second air pathway 24 has a lengthabout one-half the wavelength of sound wave S, second portion S2 ofsound wave S is in an opposite phase of sound wave portion S1, so thatvalve 18 is not impacted (or only minimally impacted) by sound wave S2at the time that sound wave S1 impacts and closes valve 16. Accordingly,when first valve 16 is closed, second valve 18 is open and permitsinflow of ambient air to air inlet 13 (via air pathway 24).

Next, the situation is reversed with sound wave portion S2 impactingvalve 18 to close valve 18, preventing escape of sound wave S2 (and itsassociated noise) to the environment, and also preventing inflow ofambient air through valve 18. However, at the same time, the sound waveportion S1 does not impact (or only minimally impacts) valve 16, therebypermitting inflow of air through valve 16 into air inlet 13.

Length L2 of second air pathway 24 is selected based upon the wavelengthof air compressor 12. In one embodiment, a length of second air pathway24 is selectively varied so that a noise suppressor can be adaptable todifferent wavelengths of sound waves, and thereby is adaptable for usewith different types of air compressors. In one aspect, second airpathway 24 comprises a plurality of modules (such as individual sectionsof hoses or pipes) connected in series wherein the number of modulesdetermines the length of second air pathway 24.

In another aspect, second air pathway 24 comprises a telescopingstructure in which the length L2 is selected by extending or retractinga telescoping portion of second air pathway 24.

In another embodiment, the lengths of first air pathway 23 and secondair pathway can be adjusted so that if the length of first air pathway23 is increased to a value that is non-negligible regarding thewavelength of the soundwaves, the length of second air pathway 24 can beincreased by a corresponding amount to maintain the lengths of therespective first and second air pathways in a relationship that enablesthe alternating opening and closing of those valves, as previouslydescribed.

In one embodiment, a length of second air pathway 24 defines a firstlength that is about one-half the wavelength of the soundwaves and thatis believed to result in generally complete suppression of noiseassociated with those soundwaves (S). This first length is considered tobe a “full length” embodiment. However, in another embodiment, a lengthof second air pathway 24 defines a second length that is set to somevalue (such as three-eighths, one-third, one-quarter, etc.) less thanone-half of the wavelength of soundwaves (S) to result in suppressingnoise (associated with soundwaves (S)) to a level that substantiallyreduces the noise while not completely eliminating the noise. In otherwords, a second length of second air pathway 24 (with a length of firstair pathway 23 remaining negligible) can define a length that is muchless (e.g. one-half) than a first length of second air pathway 24, whilestill achieving significant suppression of noise from soundwaves (S).This alternate arrangement is considered a “reduced length” embodiment.Practically speaking, this alternate “reduced length” embodiment enablesa hose or pipe defining second air pathway 24 to take up much less space(e.g., 25% less, 33% less, 50% less, etc.) than a “full length”embodiment. In some instances, the noise suppression associated with a“reduced length” embodiment is sufficient (although less than a completenoise suppression) to prefer the smaller sized second air pathway over alarger sized second air pathway of a “full length” embodiment.Accordingly, in one embodiment, to suppress noise from air compressor12, a length of second air pathway 24 is substantially less than awavelength of soundwaves (S), and in one particular embodiment, a lengthof second air pathway is about one-half the wavelength of soundwaves(S).

It is also understood that a length of second air pathway 24 that isslightly longer (e.g. five-eighths, two-thirds) than one-half thewavelength of the soundwaves also can yield a substantial suppression ofnoise associated with soundwaves (S).

In one embodiment, other parameters such as the type of material (e.g.,rigid, flexible, sound absorbing) defining the second air pathway 24,the type of air compressor 12, the type of valves (16, 18) also affect aselection of the length of second air pathway 24. For example, in oneembodiment, second air pathway 24 comprises a conduit made of soundabsorbing material or other sound altering material, which also acts onthe soundwaves (S). This embodiment thereby enables a length of secondair pathway 24 to be reduced from one-half the wavelength of soundwaves(S) since the noise is being suppressed by the type of material definingsecond air pathway 24 in addition to the length of second air pathway24.

The noise-suppressing effects of first air pathway 23 and/or second airpathway 24 are not limited by a particular layout (e.g., straight,curved, looping, etc.) of those pathways so that second air pathway 24can be arranged in any suitable pattern to accommodate its length forthe convenience of the user.

The operational states of first valve 16 and second valve 18 of noisesuppressor 14 are summarized in table 30 of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a blockdiagram of a table 30 representing operational states of a noisesuppression system, according to an embodiment of the invention. Asshown in FIG. 2, table 30 illustrates a first state (i.e., state 1) anda second state of operation of noise suppression system 14 (FIG. 1).Each state generally corresponds to a state of whether valve one (V1) 16is open or closed, a state of whether valve two (V2) 18 is open orclosed, and related states of whether or not air (A1 or A2) is flowingthrough those valves in relation to travel of sound waves (S1 or S2).

In one embodiment, a first state includes a first component 32 in whichvalve one V1 (e.g. valve 16) is open and generally corresponds to soundwaves S1 being absent (or only minimally present) at valve V1, therebypermitting inflow of air A1 through valve V1. In a second component 34of first state, valve two V2 (e.g., valve 18) is closed by sound wavesS2, which thereby blocks sound waves S2 from exiting valve V2 (i.e.,sound waves (S2) are present at valve 18) and thereby also blocks inflowof air (A2) through valve V2.

A second state identifies a first component 36 in which valve one V1 isclosed by sound waves S1, which thereby blocks sound waves S1 fromexiting valve V1 (i.e., sound waves (S1) are present at valve 16) andthereby also blocks inflow of air (A1) through valve V1. In a secondcomponent 38 of second state, valve two (V2) is open, which generallycorresponds to sound waves S2 being absent (or only minimally present)at valve V2, thereby permitting inflow of air (A2) through valve V2.

FIG. 3 is an air compression system 50, according to an embodiment ofthe invention. System 50 has substantially the same features andattributes as system 10, as previously described in association withFIGS. 1-2, and also includes additional features. As shown in FIG. 3,system 50 comprises an air compressor 52 and noise suppressor 54. Aircompressor portion 52 comprises a cylinder, air inlet 62, and aircontrol structure 60 (similar to control structure 20). Noise suppressor54 comprises first valve 82, second valve 84, and an air pathwaystructure 71, which includes common pathway 70, first pathway 72, andsecond pathway 74. In one embodiment, second pathway 74 furthercomprises a coil portion 78 that acts as a mechanism or arrangement tofacilitate reducing an amount of space occupied by the relatively longlength of second pathway 74.

In a manner substantially the same as previously described inassociation with FIGS. 1-2, noise suppressor 54 of compression system 50(shown in FIG. 3) is configured to both manage inlet of ambient air intoair compressor 52 and to suppress noise produced by air compressorportion 52 that travels outward through compressor air inlet 62. Asshown in FIG. 3, valve 82 is in fluid communication with air inlet 62via common pathway 70 and first air pathway 72 of air pathway structure71. Valve 84 is in fluid communication with air inlet 62 via commonpathway 70 and second air pathway 74 of air pathway structure 71.Accordingly, during operation of air compressor 12, ambient air A_(A)travels in a first direction (through valves 82 and 84 via air pathwaystructure 71) to enter air inlet 62, while sound waves that exit airinlet 62 travel in a second direction, opposite the first direction ofincoming air, through air pathway structure 71 to valves 82 and 84.

A junction 76 enables common pathway 70 of air pathway structure 71 todiverge along two separate pathways, first pathway 72 and second pathway74. First pathway 72 is in fluid communication with first valve 82 whilesecond pathway 74 is in fluid communication with second valve 84. Firstpathway 72 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L1 whilesecond pathway 74 (e.g., a hose, pipe, conduit, etc.) has a length L2which is substantially greater than a length L1 of first pathway 72. Inone embodiment, the length L2 of second pathway 74 is selected to beone-half the wavelength of the sound wave S while the length L1 of firstpathway 72 is negligible relative to the wavelength of sound wave S andtherefore negligible relative to length L2.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a second air pathway 74comprises a plurality of modules 56-58 (such as individual sections ofhoses or pipes) connected in series wherein the number of modulesdetermines the length of second air pathway 24. This arrangement enablesthe operator or designer to selectively vary the length of second airpathway 74 to modify the effect of the noise suppression and/or toprovide a shorter length second air pathway 74 for convenience. Inanother embodiment, the modules 56-58 are telescopically retractable andexpandable relative to each other to respectively shorten or lengthenthe length of second air pathway 74.

First valve 82 and second valve 84 are substantially the same instructure and function, except being connected to a different airpathway 72 and 74 via a respective junction 79. In one embodiment, firstvalve 82 and second valve 84 each define a respective chamber (86A, 86B)including a movable portion (90A, 90B) that selectively blocks an airinlet structure (88A, 88B). The air inlet structures (88A or 88B)comprise one or more openings to enable air flow into the chamber (86Aor 86B). The moveable portion (90A, 90B) comprises a flap or otherflexible member capable of being deflected or moved by an impact ofsound waves and/or by pressure of air intake.

In one embodiment, moveable portions (90A, 90B) comprise a flap arrangedrelative to an air inlet structure (88A, 88B) to enable the flap to bein a first position that enables inflow of air into a respective chamber(86A, 86B) and moved to a second position that closes air inletstructure (88A, 88B) when a sound wave (such as sound wave S1 or S2)impacts moveable portions (90A, 90B).

In one embodiment, the moveable portion 90A, 90B is a flap made of aflexible plastic material, such as polypropylene or other suitablematerials. A center portion 92 of the flap (90A, 90B) is securedrelative to a central region 94 of air inlet structure (88A, 88B)adjacent openings of the air inlet structure with outer portions 96 ofthe flaps extending outward relative to center portion 92. In thisarrangement, the secured center portion 92 acts as a hinge enablingmovement of the outer portions 96 against or away from inlet structure(88A, 88B) depending upon the presence or absence of sound waves withinthe chamber that encloses the flap.

In another embodiment, valve 82 and/or valve 84 comprise a check valve,such as a ball check valve or a reed valve, as understood by thoseskilled in the art.

In one example, FIG. 3 illustrates a closed first valve 82, withmoveable flap 90A pressed upward into contact against air inletstructure 88A via the impact pressure from sound waves S1 while secondvalve 84 is open with moveable flap 90B spaced from air inlet structure88B because of the absence (or minimal impact) of sound waves S2 againstmoveable flap 90B. In a manner substantially the same as previouslydescribed for valves 16 and 18 in association with FIGS. 1-2, firstvalve 82 and second valve 84 alternately open and close in an offsetmanner so that when one valve is open, the other valve is closed andvice versa, thereby enabling air to enter air inlet 62 of air compressor52 while neutralizing noise exiting air inlet 62 of air compressor 52.

FIG. 4 is a noise suppressor system 100, according to an embodiment ofthe invention. System 100 comprises substantially the same features andattributes of systems 10 and 50 (previously described in associationwith FIGS. 1-3), except further comprising a container 102 for enclosingor grouping (e.g., maintaining in close proximity) various components ofsystems 10, 50. As shown in FIG. 4, container 102 is represented bydashed lines and encloses (as an example) first valve 82, second valve84, air pathway structure 71 (including at least pathway 72 and 74), andcoil portion 78 of air pathway 74. In one embodiment, air inletstructures 88A and 88B are disposed at outer edge 110 of container 102.

In one embodiment, container 102 comprises either a first portion 104 ora second portion 106, or both first portion 104 and second portion 106together. First portion 104 encloses or groups first valve 82 and secondvalve 84 while second portion 106 encloses or groups components of airpathway structure 71 including coil portion 78. In another embodiment, asize and/or shape of container 102 is selected to enclose othercombinations of components of noise suppressor system 100.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an noise suppression adapter 200,according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, noisesuppressor 200 comprises substantially the same features and attributesas noise suppressor (e.g., noise suppressor 54) as previously describedand illustrated in association with FIGS. 1-4, except further comprisingadditional valves 182, 184 wherein a first valve array 202 comprisesfirst valve 82 and third valve 182 and a second valve array 204comprises second valve 84 and fourth valve 184. In this respect, eacharray 202, 204 comprises two or more valves connected in series toprovide further noise suppression than simply using a single first valve82 and single second valve 84. While not illustrated, it is understoodthat in other embodiments, each respective first and second valve array202, 204 comprises three or more valves connected in series.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, third valve 182 comprises substantially thesame features and attributes as first valve 82, except with inlets 88Aof first valve 82 being in direct fluid communication with an interiorof third valve 182 (instead of in direct fluid communication with theambient environment). In one aspect, third valve 182 comprises a movableflap 190A secured to member 194 with outer portions 196 of flap 190Aeither respectively blocking air inlets 188A, 188A or providing an openpath to air inlets 188A, 188A in response to the cycling of the airflowand soundwaves of air compressor, as previously described in associationwith FIGS. 1-4.

Likewise, fourth valve 184 comprises substantially the same features andattributes as second valve 84, except with inlets 88B of second valve 84being in direct fluid communication with an interior of fourth valve 184(instead of in direct fluid communication with the ambient environment).In one aspect, third valve 182 comprises a movable flap 190A secured tomember 194 with outer portions 196 of flap 190A either respectivelyblocking air inlets 188A, 188A or providing an open path to air inlets188A, 188A in response to the cycling of the airflow and soundwaves ofair compressor, as previously described in association with FIGS. 1-4.

In use, each array 202,204 of valves that are connected in series, suchas first valve 82 and third valve 182, respectively exhibit asubstantially matched response to the cycling of the soundwaves andairflow so that both first valve 82 and third valve 182 open atsubstantially the same time and close at substantially the same time.Similarly, second valve 84 and fourth valve 184, exhibit a substantiallymatched response to the cycling of the soundwaves and airflow so thatboth second valve 84 and fourth valve 184 open at substantially the sametime and close at substantially the same time. Finally, in accordancewith prior embodiments, when first valve 82 and third valve 182 areopen, then second valve 84 and fourth valve 184 are closed, and whenfirst valve 82 and third valve 182 are closed, then second valve 84 andfourth valve 184 are open.

Accordingly, the respective valves of the first valve array 202 open andclose substantially in unison in response to the cycling of the soundwaves of the air compressor and the respective valves of the secondvalve array 204 open and close substantially in unison in response tothe cycling of the sound waves of the air compressor.

In addition, in other embodiments, one or more of valves 82, 84, 182,184 comprise other types of valves, such as a check valve, as previouslydescribed in association with FIGS. 1-4.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a noise suppressorfor an air compressor that simultaneously neutralizes noise that exitsan air inlet from an air compressor while delivering air into the aircompressor for compression.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described hereinfor purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety ofalternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for thespecific embodiments illustrated and described without departing fromthe scope of the present invention. Those with skill in the mechanical,electromechanical, electrical, and computer arts will readily appreciatethat the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety ofembodiments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations orvariations of the preferred embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, itis manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claimsand the equivalents thereof.

1. An air compressor system comprising: a compressor configured tocompress ambient air and including an inlet for receiving ambient airand an outlet, the compressor configured to produce sound wavestraveling outward through the inlet, the sound waves having a firstwavelength; and an adapter removably secured to the inlet, the adapterincluding: a first air pathway in fluid communication with the inlet andincluding a first valve; a second air pathway including a second valveand in fluid communication with the inlet and with the first airpathway, the second air pathway having a length substantially less thanthe first wavelength of the sound waves and the first air pathway havinga length substantially less than the length of the second air pathway;and wherein in a first state, the first valve is open and the secondvalve is closed, and in a second state the first valve is closed and thesecond valve is open, the adapter alternating between the first andsecond states based upon movement of the sound waves exiting the inletof the compressor.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the length of thesecond air pathway is about one-half the first wavelength.
 3. The systemof claim 1 wherein the length of the second air pathway is less thanone-half the first wavelength
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein thelength of the second air pathway is selectively variable.
 5. The systemof claim 1 wherein the first valve comprises a first valve arrayincluding a series of valves connected in series and the second valvecomprises a second valve array including a series of valves connected inseries, wherein the respective valves of the first valve array open andclose substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the aircompressor and the respective valves of the second valve array open andclose substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the aircompressor
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first valve and thesecond valve comprise a check valve including at least one of a flappervalve, a reed valve, a ball valve, or a poppet valve.
 7. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the first valve and the second valve each comprise achamber defining an air inlet structure and a moveable portion thatblocks the air inlet structure in a first position and that opens theair inlet structure in a second position.
 8. The system of claim 7wherein the lengths of the first air pathway and the second air pathwayare configured relative to one another to cause, based on the firstwavelength of the sound waves, the moveable portion of one of the firstvalve and the second valve to be in the first position while themoveable portion of the other of the first valve and the second valveare in the second position.
 9. The system of claim 1 and furthercomprising a third air pathway extending from the inlet of the aircompressor to both the first air pathway and the second air pathway. 10.A method of neutralizing noise for an air compressor, the methodcomprising: routing sound waves exiting an air intake of an aircompressor along two separate paths including a first path and a secondpath; arranging a first valve at the end of the first path and a secondvalve at the end of the second path, wherein in a first state, soundwaves in the first path close the first valve to prevent the sound wavesfrom exiting the first path while the sound waves in the second pathminimally impact the second valve of the second path, thereby enablingthe second valve to remain open to permit inflow of ambient air throughthe second valve, and wherein in a second state, sound waves in thesecond path close the second valve to prevent the sound waves fromexiting the second path while the sound waves in the first pathminimally impact the first valve of the first path, thereby enabling thefirst valve to remain open to permit inflow of ambient air through thefirst valve; and alternating between the first state and the secondstate in response to the repeating sound waves.
 11. The method of claim10 wherein routing the sound waves comprises: arranging a length of thefirst path to be substantially more than a length of the second path andto be substantially less than a wavelength of the sound waves exitingthe air intake of the air compressor, to cause an iterative cycle ofclosing of the first valve during opening of the valve of the secondconduit and opening of the first valve during closing of the valve ofthe second conduit.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein routing the soundwaves comprises; arranging the length of the first path to be aboutone-half the wavelength of the sound waves and a length of the secondpath to negligible relative to the wavelength of the sound waves. 13.The method of claim 10 wherein arranging a first valve comprises:arranging the first valve as a first valve array of a plurality ofvalves connected in series, wherein the respective valves of the firstvalve array open and close substantially in unison in response to thesound waves of the air compressor; and arranging the second valve as asecond valve array of a plurality of valves connected in series, whereinand the respective valves of the second valve array open and closesubstantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the aircompressor.
 14. The method of claim 10 wherein routing the sound wavescomprises: selectively varying a length of the first path.
 15. A noisesuppressor for an air compressor system, the noise suppressorcomprising: an adapter configured for removably securing relative to anair inlet of an air compressor with sound waves having a firstwavelength exiting the air inlet of the air compressor, the adapterincluding: a first air pathway in fluid communication with the inlet ofthe air compressor and including a first valve; a second air pathwayincluding a second valve and in fluid communication with the inlet ofthe air compressor and with the first air pathway, the second airpathway having a length substantially less than the first wavelength ofthe sound waves and the first air pathway having a length substantiallyless than the length of the second air pathway; and wherein the adapteralternates, in response to the movement of sound waves exiting the inletof the air compressor, between a first state, in which the first valveis open and the second valve is closed, and a second state in which thefirst valve is closed and the second valve is open.
 16. The noisesuppressor of claim 15 wherein the second air pathway comprises aconduit including a noise suppressing material.
 17. The noise suppressorof claim 15 wherein the first valve comprises a first valve arrayincluding a series of valves connected in series and the second valvecomprises a second valve array including a series of valves connected inseries, wherein the respective valves of the first valve array open andclose substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the aircompressor and the respective valves of the second valve array open andclose substantially in unison in response to the sound waves of the aircompressor
 18. The noise suppressor of claim 15 wherein a length of thesecond air pathway is about no more than one-half the first wavelengthof the sound waves.
 19. The noise suppressor of claim 15 wherein thelength of the second air pathway is selectively variable.
 20. The noisesuppressor of claim 15 and further comprising an air compressor systemincluding a cylinder configured to compress ambient air and includingthe inlet for receiving ambient air.